I had the rear springs replaced a while back on my 2001. I keep staring at the back and am wondering if the springs that were put on it are 2003 spec and not 2001 spec. The back end appears to be a bit higher than it used to be, even after letting it 'settle' for a few months. This seems to be more apparent where the side pipes stick out.

Could a 2001 and a 2003 owner measure the distance from the top of the rear tire to the fender lip and let me know what the distance is?

Thanks guys!

 

2003 stock nothing done to the rear yet:

Top of tire to fender lip is approx. – 6 ¾” and from the floor to the fender lip is approx. 34 ¾”

 

Thanks XLT.

Anyone with a 2001 care to measure for me?

 

Interesting...
5" and 33" on stock 99

 

I just bought a Red 2003 L and after wondering why it was so high, I read the GVWR tag on the door jam. The 2003's are rated over 6000 pounds. Since I liked the height of the 2001 better, I went to Ford and ordered springs. The springs I got are P/N XL3Z 5560 AA. They are also metal stamped (deeply) on the bottom with the code RPN 1362. The 2003 springs no numbers on them that I can find, but they do have four spring clamps on them, two in front of the axle and two behind. The 2001 springs have only one clamp behind the axle. The clamps I'm talking about go from the leaf around the spring pack to keep the leaves in line. The length of the leaves are the same on both set of springs. They just showed up today, so I won't have them installed until tomorrow. I'll let you know how the ride height is - if it like the 2001 or the 2003. I'm going to throw in a question of my own here. I looked inside the throttle body and it almost looks like the back side of the throttle blades were painted with grey green paint. The paint is on the blades and in the throttle bores begind the blades. I looked at a 2002 and found the same stuff...... Do they use it to improve the sealing at idle???

 

kerno,

How much were the 2001 leaf springs? I'd like to change out mine on my 04 .

 

They were about $102.00 each. I'd planned to put them on today, but did not get it finished. They will be on tomorrow. I also plan to try removing or modifying a leaf in the 2003' s to see how that works. I like the increased number of clamps on the later springs. I've taken a leaf out of a couple F-250s, including my 2001 crew Lariat. I use it to tow a 10,000 pound boat and the leaf removal really helped the non towing ride. The towing works just fine as well. I'll let you know the results Weds. evening.

 

HiJacking thread, RGCBSRHTY- swing by www.austinlightning.com, there a few more Ls just up I35 from you

 

$102 is reasonable. I'm interested in your results.


TXSVTLIGHTNING,

Unforunately I'm in San Marcos, CA. I guess I should fix that

 

I removed the 2nd leaf from the 2003 springs. It is easy to do and is free. I changed the axle bump stops to the 2001 versions ($12.00) and put on a set of 2 inch drop shackles ($49.00). I now have a truck that is within 3/4 of level and rides MUCH better. The rear suspension is now about the same as the front in stiffness. I did not even try the 2001 springs because this change accomplished everything I wanted - no stinkbug look and vastly improved ride. Purists may argue that I have weakened the leaf springs resistance to windup under heavy acceleration. Maybe I have, but not to the point where it is noticable. If you make the same change, you'll notice a tapered shim between the axle and the spring pack. It is there to set the pinion angle. I'm going to add another one to each side to improve the angle. If you spend you weekends at the strip, this may not be what you had in mind. But if you drive in the real world of potholes and train tracks, you're going to like it.